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Unstable angina pectoris symptoms

How the structures involved in Angina differ from normal
Illustration: How the structures involved in Angina differ from normal

Short answer

Unstable angina pectoris symptoms include new or changing chest discomfort and may require emergency assessment.

This answers one question. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an assessment by a licensed doctor.

At a glance

Chest sensations
Pressure, heaviness, squeezing, burning, or tightness
Other symptoms
Breathlessness, sweating, nausea, dizziness, or unusual fatigue
Urgent pattern
New, worsening, longer-lasting, or rest-related symptoms

How symptoms may feel

People may describe pressure, heaviness, squeezing, burning, fullness, or tightness in the centre or left side of the chest. The discomfort can spread to an arm, shoulder, back, neck, jaw, or upper abdomen. It may start during activity, appear with less effort than before, last longer than a familiar episode, or occur at rest.

Some people notice breathlessness, cold sweating, nausea, dizziness, unusual tiredness, or a feeling of impending faintness. A symptom does not identify its cause by itself: indigestion, muscle strain, lung problems, and other conditions can also cause chest symptoms. However, a new or changing pattern deserves urgent assessment. See [Angina](/conditions/angina/) and [Chest Tightness](/symptoms/chest-tightness/) for related information.

What you should do

Stop activity, sit down, and keep your movements minimal. If the symptoms are new, severe, worsening, or present at rest, call emergency services. Use only medicine prescribed for your angina and follow its instructions; do not take another person’s tablets or postpone care while checking whether the feeling passes.

Clinicians may use an [Electrocardiogram](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/ecg/) and blood tests, with repeat checks when needed. After the urgent problem is assessed, care may include medicines for blood pressure or cholesterol, such as [Statin Therapy](/treatments/medical-management/statin-therapy/) where appropriate.

Symptoms that need emergency help

Call emergency services immediately for persistent or recurring chest pressure, squeezing, or tightness, especially when accompanied by breathlessness, sweating, nausea, faintness, confusion, or spreading discomfort. Do not drive yourself. If symptoms have stopped but were new or different, arrange urgent medical advice rather than waiting for a routine review.

Questions for your appointment

Ask which symptoms fit your previous angina pattern, what timing or spread is concerning, how to use your prescribed rescue medicine, and when to call emergency services. Ask whether your blood pressure needs review and whether further heart testing is planned.

Find care

General Clinics & Polyclinics in Abu Dhabi

That answer is general. If you want it applied to your own case, these are licensed general clinics & polyclinics listed in Abu Dhabi.

City
See every listing in Abu Dhabi

Ordered by verification status and how complete each clinic's public record is, then alphabetically. This is a directory listing, not a ranking — Zavis does not rate or recommend providers.

A factual listing drawn from the DHA, DOH and MOHAP licence registers. It is not a referral, an endorsement, or advice that any of these providers is right for you.

Questions people ask

Can unstable angina symptoms occur without chest pain?

Yes. Breathlessness, nausea, sweating, dizziness, or unusual fatigue may be the main warning symptoms for some people.

What if the discomfort goes away?

New or changing symptoms still need prompt medical advice because temporary relief does not establish that the cause was harmless.

Related

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Medical disclaimer. This page is general health information, not medical advice, and it cannot diagnose you. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider about your own symptoms and treatment. In an emergency in the UAE, call 998 for an ambulance.